The Young Elites

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Young Elites by Marie Lu, read by Carla Corvo and Lannon Killea. Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings.

Warcross

For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn't just a game - it's a way of life. The obsession started 10 years ago, and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down Warcross players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty-hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy.

The Assassin's Blade: The Throne of Glass Novellas

Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom's most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassin's Guild, Celaena yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer for hire, Sam. When Celaena's scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes - and questioning her own allegiance. Along the way, she makes friends and enemies alike, and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship.

Matched: Book 1

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

Delirium

They say that the cure for love will make me happy and safe forever. And I've always believed them. Until now. Now everything has changed. Now, I'd rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years suffocated by a lie. There was a time when love was the most important thing in the world. People would go to the end of the earth to find it. They would tell lies for it. Even kill for it. Then, at last, they found the cure.

Shatter Me

"You can't touch me," I whisper. I'm lying, is what I don't tell him. He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him. But things happen when people touch me. Strange things. Bad things. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon. But Juliette has plans of her own.

The Testing: The Testing, Book 1

The story in which a 16-year-old is chosen by her government to undergo The Testing, which decides if she gets to go to The University. The University is for the country’s best and brightest teens and puts the rebuilding and future leadership of the United Commowealth in their hands. During The Testing, extreme psychological and physical trials pit them against one another to determine which teens have what it takes to become a leader.

Across the Universe

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, 300 years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end 50 years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

The Gender Game

A toxic river divides nineteen-year-old Violet Bates's world by gender. Women rule the East. Men rule the West. Welcome to the lands of Matrus and Patrus. Ever since the disappearance of her beloved younger brother, Violet's life has been consumed by an anger she struggles to control. Already a prisoner to her own nation, now she has been sentenced to death for her crimes. But one decision could save her life. To enter the kingdom of Patrus, where men rule and women submit. Everything about the patriarchy is dangerous for a rebellious girl like Violet.

The Darkest Minds: Darkest Minds, Book 1

When Ruby woke up on her 10th birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that had killed most of America’s children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they could not control.

Shadow and Bone

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Daughter of the Pirate King

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map - the key to a legendary treasure trove - 17-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship. More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.

The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book 4; Origin)

The prequel to the New York Times best-selling Maze Runner series. Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the Earth, and mankind fell to disease. Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next. Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there's something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it's mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

Trickery: Curse of the Gods, Book 1

In Minatsol, being a dweller means that you are literally no better than dirt. In fact, dirt might actually be more useful than Willa. Her life will be one of servitude to the sols, the magic-blessed beings who could one day be chosen to become gods. At least her outer village is far removed from the cities of the sols, and she won't ever be forced to present herself to them... Until one small mistake changes everything, and Willa is awarded a position to serve at Blesswood, the top sol academy in the world - a position that she definitely did not earn.

Cruel Crown: Two Red Queen Novellas

Two women on either side of the Silver-Red divide tell the stories no one else knows. Queen Song : Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary - how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince; the birth of a new prince, Cal; and the potentially deadly challenges that lay ahead for her in royal life.

The Outsiders

Ponyboy can count on his brothers. And on his friends. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up "greasers" like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect, until the night someone takes things too far.

The Traitor's Kiss: Traitor's Trilogy, Book 1

With a sharp tongue and an unruly temper, Sage Fowler is not what they'd call a lady, which is perfectly fine with her. Deemed unfit for marriage, Sage is apprenticed to a matchmaker and tasked with wrangling other young ladies to be married off for political alliances. She spies on the girls - and on the soldiers escorting them. As the girls' military escort senses a political uprising, Sage is recruited by a handsome soldier to infiltrate the enemy ranks.

Publisher's Summary

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

Of the (many) recent dystopias I have recently read, Legend is definitely one of my favorites. The only one I can remember liking better is Divergent. I found it really difficult to put this one down. I liked the characters a lot; June and Day were so much fun and I really felt for both of them and hated the situations they were thrown into. I liked the romance and the athletic elements of the story. A cool story.

I liked this. It was a bit short, but it had a good bit of action and suspense. It was predictable, but still interesting. Even though I knew, in general, where it was going, I was curious to see how Lu was going to get the characters there. And I'm curious to see where the story goes next. I'll definitely give the next book a try and see where June and Day go from here.

I loved both of the main characters (Day and June). They were both strong individuals with heart. Although, it did seem like their ages should be a bit older to match their actions and history.

Did Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I thought Steven Kaplan did a wonderful job of narrating the male lead character, Day. He was believable. I had a hard time matching Mariel Stern's interpretation/voice for the female lead character, June. But, Marie Lu's story was so captivating I quickly got over it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book motivated me to exercise, as I mainly listen to audio books when out hiking. I was eager to get out on the trail, so that I could get back to the world and characters that Marie Lu created.

Any additional comments?

I hope there will be a sequel. The ending left me wanting to know how things will develop or get resolved.

I went through this title quickly (as in less than one day quickly) which simply means that it was good enough to keep me interested for the entire length of the book. I actually didn't expect it to be as good as it was (having just completed the let down that is Allegiant) but I was pleasantly surprised. It had interesting characters, awesome plot twists and even a seemingly well thought out storyline.

In this title the government seems to be at it again in yet another futuristic world. We have two genius kids who are pit against each other due to a series of unfortunate circumstances. The author doesn't shy away from death which I appreciate (I always find it way too coincidental when I read books like these and no one of somewhat importance dies in the book). The characters all seem to be rather interesting as they currently are and the book leaves a whole lot of room for growth in them which will be particularly interesting to see. Another nice thing about this title is the action. When it started to pick up... It really picked up.... Fast and furious action which was actually of the believable nature more often than not.

The only disconcerting thing I find is their love at first sight thing that seemed to permeate the fated meeting between Day and June. I get they would be automatically intrigued (at least) by each other if only for the mere fact that they both probably are of genius IQ proportions (like things such as those either have the effect of bonding or repulsing you), but they seemed to have fallen head over heels for each other pretty quickly.

I liked the narration when the Steven Kaplan (the male narrator) was doing it.... I had to get used to Mariel Stern (the female narrator) which I am pretty sure shouldn't be the case; midway through the book I really didn't mind her much. They did a credible job at getting the story across which I am pretty psyched about.

I must say, all in all I am interested and intend to blaze through all these books.... Yup..... I'm interested.

Hmmm I reserve my five stars for books that make me sit in the parking lot for lengthy periods of time instead of entering the office/house/store because I just have to find out what happens next. Although I never had a 'just can't put it down' moment with this book, I still found it pleasant and entertaining. I like the dystopian genre and this one has wonderful descriptions of how America may be during that time - I actually wish the author had gone further with some of the descriptions. I also like YA novels because they aren't filled with graphic love scenes etc. Thankfully this book didn't push that envelope with the kids either. Overall, I would recommend it for a beach read/listen or since it isn't too long you could probably fit it into a lazy rainy day.

yet not completely in mine. I enjoyed this story overall, and the writing is good. Yet, somehow the characters remained a bit flat and unconvincing for me. I was more "won-over" by Day than by June, though I came to like them both a little bit more by the end. I found June a bit "Princess-y" and annoying. I'm not sure how much that had to do with the choice of narration. Mariel Stern has a fine voice, it's just that with this story she didn't quite make the character believable to me. She was supposed to be physically trained, (strong), and very smart, yet she came accross as spoiled, sheltered and naive for most of the story. She seems to grow a bit by the end, though, I must say. And I came to like Day. Kaplan's portrayal of him is a little more matched to the character, as far as I'm concerned. Thomas was very convincing by the time you got into the meat of the story because of his sheer stepford-evil. He was "real" enough to make me mad.I like the overall premise and story, and again I'd like to say the writing is good. By the end it did make me care enough that I will check out the next installment of June and Day's story when the time comes.

In a shakespearean twist of fate, poverty and privilege find common ground in Legend.

Two districts, each unlike in prosperity, In the Republic, where jurisdiction is to demean, From governmental grievance to societies mutiny, Where civil blood makes military hands unclean. From forth the mutual losses of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take control of their fate; Whose misinformed sorrows and woes Do with their lives bury their caste's disparate. The fearful passage of their souls-mark'd free, And the continuance of their rebellion's rage, Which, but their sacrifices' end, nought could flee, Is now the first tomes' traffic of our page; The which if you with patient eyes attend, What here shall miss, Lu's series shall strive to mend.

It's hard to make anything sound bad written in Shakespeare's footprint. But Marie Lu's debut novel is a wonderful blend of WOW inducing words that makes you want to live, fight, rebel, and know love in all it's forms.

Legend isn't the type of book you put down and think, well I didn't see that one coming. Lu employed a lot of basic and typical devices used in most popular YA fiction today. While there were pops of the unexpected here and there the real strength of Lu's Legend is in it's relationships. She's built a harsh world and isn't afraid to make some sacrifices. This book is as much about tragedy as it is triumph and maybe Lu could have delved deeper into the bonding and betrayal sequences drawn them out a little more. But nevertheless the emotional connection is there. Her characters are steadfast and interesting. Day and June really draw you in with their personalities. The most compelling aspect is the goodness in the characters and their motives. You can't help but want them to succeed, to win, to overcome.

I experienced Legend through the wonders of audible. Mariel Stern narrated June's chapters which started off a bit jarring at first. Stern had that Type A personality spot on, but the annoying overbearing quality of her performance soften as I became more acquainted with June. Steven Kaplan does a wonderful job narrating Day's chapters. Day has a more quiet personality, he's not as noticeably intense as June, and plays he's part perfectly. Their readings really brought the words to life and drew me in.

Any fan of Hunger Games and Divergent will love this world and it's characters. Legend is a well crafted emotionally stunning thriller. The book's biggest downside is having to wait for the sequel.

Good start to another dystopian series. If you liked Divergent - chances are you will like this as well. Loved the dual narration as well - made it much more enjoyable to hear the first person perspectives of the protagonists from different voices.

Before downloading it, I told myself I'd pace it out so I'd have a month worth of story... Ha. That totally didn't work :) Instead, I ended up listening to 5 of the 7 hours of it at once. Though it may not be an example of literary excellence, it's not bad either. I wasn't a huge fan of the narration, especially the woman's voice, but the story and plot were gripping enough to waste my Saturday for. Definitely worth a download.